Can You Still Get Your PGWP Without Full-Time Studies? Here’s When

As an international student in Canada, you usually need to study full-time in order to be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). However, there are two specific situations in which part-time enrollment is still accepted. In this article, we will explain what those situations are and how you can stay eligible.

Understanding Full-Time Study Requirements

IRCC says that being a full-time student generally means taking at least 15 hours of classes or training each week during the school year. This can include both regular classroom learning and any work placements that are part of your program.

In the end, it is your Designated Learning Institution (DLI) that decides what counts as full-time. Most schools base this on the number of class or teaching hours each week, so it’s important to check with your school to confirm what they consider a full-time course load for your program.

Authorized Leave of Absence

You can take a short break from full-time studies through an approved leave of absence and still keep your PGWP eligibility, as long as you meet the required conditions.

Key points to keep in mind:

• The leave must be approved by your DLI.
• The absence period cannot exceed 150 days.
• The leave must be for a valid reason, such as:
  • Medical issues or pregnancy
  • A family emergency
  • Serious illness or death of a close relative
  • Any other type of leave officially approved by your school

Additional eligible reasons include:

• If your school closes permanently or due to a strike,
• If you change schools, or
• If the program start date is deferred.

During an authorized leave, you are not permitted to work, even if your study permit would allow it.

When you later apply for your PGWP, you will need to demonstrate that your leave:

• Was authorized by the institution, and
• Did not exceed 150 days.

Studying Part-Time in Your Final Semester

The second situation is when you are finishing your program in the final semester. At that point, you are allowed to study part-time and still stay eligible for the PGWP.

But there are a few important rules to keep in mind:

• You cannot file your PGWP application during that last semester. You must wait until your final marks are issued.
• To apply, you will need either:
  • A formal letter from your DLI confirming you have completed your program, or
  • An official transcript (or copy) showing completion.

It is great to explain your situation in the ‘additional client information’ section of your PGWP application.

PGWP Application Timeline

Here is how the timeline works:

• You have up to 180 days after receiving your final grades to submit your PGWP application.
• When you apply before your study permit runs out, you can start working full-time right away while your application is being reviewed. This rule lets students continue working without interruption as long as they have applied on time.
• If your study permit expires before you apply, you still have a 90-day window to submit the PGWP application. But in that case, you must also restore your student status.

To restore your status, you will need to:

• Apply online for the PGWP and pay the fee (CAD 255),
• Pay the fee to restore status (CAD 389.75),
• Upload proof of the restoration fee receipt with your PGWP application.

Here is how the timeline works:

• You have up to 180 days after receiving your final grades to submit your PGWP application.
• When you apply before your study permit runs out, you can start working full-time right away while your application is being reviewed. This rule lets students continue working without interruption as long as they have applied on time.
• If your study permit expires before you apply, you still have a 90-day window to submit the PGWP application. But in that case, you must also restore your student status.

To restore your status, you will need to:

• Apply online for the PGWP and pay the fee (CAD 255),
• Pay the fee to restore status (CAD 389.75),
• Upload proof of the restoration fee receipt with your PGWP application.

Can I Work Under Restoration of Status in Canada?

You cannot work under restoration of status while your PGWP application is being processed. You must meet all standard eligibility criteria. If you miss the 90-day deadline or exceed it, you will need to leave Canada and apply from abroad.

Get the Professional Help

For personalized guidance on PGWP and other immigration matters, you can get expert immigration services from CWC Immigration Solutions.